1999 Isuzu Trooper
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1999 Isuzu Trooper. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
81 complaints5 involved a crash1 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
75000 miles. Burns a quart of oil every few hundred miles. No oil light comes up. I ran it almost out of oil in 06/2018
- Fuel/propulsion system
While driving the vehicle it began to surge as if it was stuck in high gear. the gas peddle seemed to be stuck and the vehicle started to go faster and faster. I applied the brakes and the tires screeched while the vehicle was still in motion forward. I shut off the engine and applied the brakes to stop the auto.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
Last 3 weeks - initially seemed like power loss/surge, then heard unusual sound coming from engine compartment 1 week ago, engine started to die while operating on city/residential streets whenever not pushing gas (slowing to turn or stop) friday, would not even hold idle to start, pushed gas…
Last 3 weeks - initially seemed like power loss/surge, then heard unusual sound coming from engine compartment 1 week ago, engine started to die while operating on city/residential streets whenever not pushing gas (slowing to turn or stop) friday, would not even hold idle to start, pushed gas and held rpm's at 1 - 1.5 for a while and finally started. today, initially would not start. next time started rpm's at over 2, dropped when shifted to reverse, when shifted to drive vehicle accelerated without use of gas pedal up to steady 35 mph on city street. after 1 mile, at next intersection started making that strange noise in engine compartment (like air or fluid under pressure ie air compressor/high pressure water sound) while pressing brake shifted into neutral rpm's revved to 2.5, in drive and reverse dropped to 1.5, in park revved to 2.5, after turn automobile accelerated to steady 40 mph on city street without gas being pushed at next stop (1 mile) returned to normal idle and operation. has problem both when cold and hot weather and cold or hot start. it has not produced a check engine light or any codes
- Vehicle speed control
While driving in traffic the accelerator pedal became hard to press then engaged and unable to control speed. All the while franticly applying the brake trying to release the accelerator, I had to force the vehicle into gear [park] where the vehicle then revved into the red zone before putting off. I then tried restarting the vehicle up and again the accelerator remained engaged [stuck] and would not release.
- Vehicle speed control
While driving in traffic the accelerator pedal became hard to press then engaged and unable to control speed]. All the while franticly applying the brake an trying to release the accelerator, I had to force the vehicle into gear [park] where the vehicle then revved into the red zone before cutting off. I then tried restarting the vehicle up and again the accelerator remained engaged [stuck] and would not release.
- Service brakes
I was traveling on hillen road and e. 33RD st in baltimore, md. The weather was light raining and misty. As I approached 33RD and the alameda I engaged my brakes, the vehicle did not stop at first and heard a loud bang. At first I thought I hit something in the road and had flat tires. I tired to…
I was traveling on hillen road and e. 33RD st in baltimore, md. The weather was light raining and misty. As I approached 33RD and the alameda I engaged my brakes, the vehicle did not stop at first and heard a loud bang. At first I thought I hit something in the road and had flat tires. I tired to drift out of the intersection into a safe location and put my hazard lights on. my grandson got out of the vehicle and checked for any visual damages. there were none. as I tried to drive out of the flow of traffic the noise was horrific and as if all components of my brakes were rattling within the wheels. I pulled along the side of the road and called for a tow. after inspection at the repair shop I was told that the ABS ring had shattered inside the brake assembly. when I went to the shop, the mechanic showed me what was supposed to be the ABS ring, shattered into many small pieces. thank god I was able to maneuver the vehicle and avoid what could have been a tragic accident. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
99 isuzu trooper 3.5 engine burns oil excessively. I am original owner and regularly serviced per owners manual. At 50K miles, engine oil light turned on 2,500 miles after oil change and was over 4 qts low. engine now at 60K mi and burning approx. 1 qt per 600-700 miles. Seems to be common engine…
99 isuzu trooper 3.5 engine burns oil excessively. I am original owner and regularly serviced per owners manual. At 50K miles, engine oil light turned on 2,500 miles after oil change and was over 4 qts low. engine now at 60K mi and burning approx. 1 qt per 600-700 miles. Seems to be common engine defect known by mechanics and owners, but isuzu unwilling to acknowledge problem. Though monitoring constantly, I am just waiting for significant engine failure. *Tr
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Structure · Suspension › Front
Hi, this IS the second used car I bough from infinity autos, the first one was a 97 dodge caravan, it had transmission problems right from the beginning I paid $300.00 to fix something in the motor omar from this dealership never took care of this for like he said so I paid off the van I need a…
Hi, this IS the second used car I bough from infinity autos, the first one was a 97 dodge caravan, it had transmission problems right from the beginning I paid $300.00 to fix something in the motor omar from this dealership never took care of this for like he said so I paid off the van I need a newer better car so I traded this car in for a isuzu 1999, I used the van as a down payment +i gave him $300.00 dollars, I told him than march, 2009 this car better be in better condition again he said no problem, there were things on this car that needed to replaced, like panel in the back of the car no spare tire, parts of the car inside were missing no radio, I bought one all these things he said just like my van were not taken care of, I am angry with him because I have been a loyal customer of his, I went back to him because he was the only dealer ship that would give me credit, before this I paid my payments, on time, one time with the van I had ro skip a payment because the van was in the shop, he said he will not reimburse me because I did not let his workers take care of it I took the van back to him three times before it was not taken care of this was with in 30 days of having the van anyway I paid for the repair, he has a copy, but when I went to trade the car in he charged me $300.00 because he said I missed 1 payment I said ok give me this other car, ok I had the car 2 month and my daughter passed away, I called the dealer ship and told him my circumstance, he wanted a $1000.00 deposit and I agreed to come up with it I did not know my daughter was going to die, so when I called them I talk to omar and tonio they said ok, than about 1 week I lost my job, again I called them and asked them if they can lower my payments until I get another job they said no, I said I will come in when I get the money this was in june I paid 2 payments . The car that I was driving now was dangerously defected had been a accident and was stolen car which he charged me full price. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
I get frequent oil changes in my 99 isuzu trooper and had just gotten one last month. I had at least 2700 miles before my next one. I was driving down the freeway and I saw smoke coming from my hood and all my dash lights came on like a christmas tree. I pulled over and found out that my engine…
I get frequent oil changes in my 99 isuzu trooper and had just gotten one last month. I had at least 2700 miles before my next one. I was driving down the freeway and I saw smoke coming from my hood and all my dash lights came on like a christmas tree. I pulled over and found out that my engine was on fire. I called the fire dept to put it out and got it towed to my house to later find out that the piston had got thrown from the engine because it locked up due to no oil getting to that piston. so now I have to get a new engine which cost about the same as the car. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I took my '99 isuzu trooper to get an oil change, and 3 weeks later the oil light turned on. I went to the isuzu dealership where I bought the car and after checking the oil, they noticed that there are less than a liter in the engine. they filled it and added a conditioner telling me that that…
I took my '99 isuzu trooper to get an oil change, and 3 weeks later the oil light turned on. I went to the isuzu dealership where I bought the car and after checking the oil, they noticed that there are less than a liter in the engine. they filled it and added a conditioner telling me that that should fix the problem. A few months later, driving back from a trip, the engine began knocking and the oil light came on again. moments later I lost power (rpms) and pulled the car over. the mechanic who looked at my car told me (and this was confirmed by a consumer report website) that '99 troopers often have "unexplained loss of oil pressure resulting in the engine seizing." the car now needs a new engine (approx 4000-9000 dollars) or a new car. nothing has been done to correct the failure or defect. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine dies while driving at various speeds. From 5 mph to 60 mph. dies while turning, then steering wheel locks up. almost been in a few accidents. has happened several times this summer. seems to be a common problem. *ak engine also burns 1QT oil ever 1,000 miles.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Sometime in february of this year, the engine failed on our 1999 isuzu trooper, possibly due to low oil. no warning lights or symptoms of any kind - vehicle just quit on route 95 in mansfield while my husband was driving home from bowling. car was towed to local garage, where they confirmed…
Sometime in february of this year, the engine failed on our 1999 isuzu trooper, possibly due to low oil. no warning lights or symptoms of any kind - vehicle just quit on route 95 in mansfield while my husband was driving home from bowling. car was towed to local garage, where they confirmed that engine needed to be replaced - in fact, the tow truck driver had literally picked pieces up from the pavement underneath the vehicle. upon searching for a new engine, we discovered that they were not easy to find unless purchased directly from isuzu, and according to consumer affairs website, this IS primarily because this type of failure IS common among isuzus manufactured in late 1990's/early 2000's. our regular mechanic, and several others questioned, confirmed that the isuzu's were notorious for this type of problem. bottom line, it would cost us $5000-$6000 dollars to replace the engine, which IS about what we owed on the car. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
From the time I bought the vehicle when it was only a couple years old, every time I brought the vehicle in for an oil change, they said it was almost empty of oil. I brought it in to a dealer several times since it was under warranty. they could never find the reason for it burning oil. every…
From the time I bought the vehicle when it was only a couple years old, every time I brought the vehicle in for an oil change, they said it was almost empty of oil. I brought it in to a dealer several times since it was under warranty. they could never find the reason for it burning oil. every dealer said it was a common issue with the isuzu, but they could not fix it because they could not find the problem. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Excessive oil burning. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Engine oil burning issue. 1999 isuzu trooper s. Automatic transmission. Vehicle burns over 1 quart of oil per 3K miles. Has done the same since I bought the vehicle in 2003 with 52K miles. Now has 93K miles. Based on online research, this IS a design problem with the oil flow ports within the 3.5 liter V6 and IS a widespread problem. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 45mph, there was a knocking noise within the engine compartment area. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for inspection. the mechanic determined there was sludge in the engine and the oil was dry although the vehicle received regular maintenance. the mechanic replaced the engine.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
My 1999 isuzu trooper engine seized up. No warning light or any indications that any thing was wrong. towed it to a mechanic and they said it had no oil in it. I had just purchased the vehicle 1 month earlier and had the oil changed/filled immediately after the purchase. I had driven it less…
My 1999 isuzu trooper engine seized up. No warning light or any indications that any thing was wrong. towed it to a mechanic and they said it had no oil in it. I had just purchased the vehicle 1 month earlier and had the oil changed/filled immediately after the purchase. I had driven it less than 2000 miles. I now see this problem has been well documented on the internet. now I am having to replace an engine which could be more than the cost of the vehicle because the manufacturers oil consumption defect and lack of low oil gauge/warning. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I purchased a new trooper in 1999 and did every required maintenance on time at a authorize isuzu dealer. After the 5 year 60,000 mile warranty was up we started taking it to a reputable national oil change company. We never had any indication it was using oil at an abnormal rate. It was not…
I purchased a new trooper in 1999 and did every required maintenance on time at a authorize isuzu dealer. After the 5 year 60,000 mile warranty was up we started taking it to a reputable national oil change company. We never had any indication it was using oil at an abnormal rate. It was not leaking oil, it was not burning oil and the oil light was not coming on. One day the oil light came on and my wife immediately pulled over and we added oil. It would run rough and took it to a mechanic who did some maintenance work. I had not totally wrecked the engine. I got it driving good for about $2,000 and hoped this had fixed the problem. We added and check the oil every 500 miles. two months later the engine seized and I am now told I need a new engine. After searching the internet I have found many others have had this engine oil problem. Estimated costs to replace the engine are $4K-$6K which IS about blue book for the trooper and now I would have no confidence in putting a 1999 engine with known problems in as a replacement. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving south on us interstate 89 near montpelier, vt, pulled over to adjust stuck windshield wiper (due to snow). after exiting highway via exit ramp and parking in a parking lot, returned towards highway after about a 5 minute delay. as was accelerating up the on ramp, transmission "let…
While driving south on us interstate 89 near montpelier, vt, pulled over to adjust stuck windshield wiper (due to snow). after exiting highway via exit ramp and parking in a parking lot, returned towards highway after about a 5 minute delay. as was accelerating up the on ramp, transmission "let go" and engine revved. transmission would no longer shift and remained stuck in 2ND gear. limped to nearest service station. vehicle was towed to isuzu dealership where metal was found in the tranny pan upon inspection indicating transmission failure. vehicle had 79K miles, was serviced at 60K as per manufacturer's recommendations, no other drivetrain problems or indication of imminent failure before incident. transmission (4l30e) had to be replaced with new transmission. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Burning too much oil with absolutely no warning. My check oil light has never come on. Have taken it for 3,000 mile oil changes a couple times to find no oil and no trace of oil in it, though I had filled it to where the dipstick registered full within the last seventy miles. I can't make a decent…
Burning too much oil with absolutely no warning. My check oil light has never come on. Have taken it for 3,000 mile oil changes a couple times to find no oil and no trace of oil in it, though I had filled it to where the dipstick registered full within the last seventy miles. I can't make a decent stab at estimating how much it burns because it seems to be fine and then be empty. it doesn't leak anywhere and it doesn't smell like it's burning it, but it's just gone. I have to stay on top of this all of the time; it's a drag. I'm going to go check it now while I'm thinking about it. I am wondering if whatever this defect IS affecting my mileage because I only get 16 mpg. my mechanics say the only thing I can do IS get the engine rebuilt. I do wish isuzu would help out here. I like the vehicle and am not in a position to have the engine rebuilt or buy another car. I would also feel badly selling this to someone knowing the engine could lock-up with no notice. and if I tell them, who would buy it? *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
We bought a 1999 trooper from the dealer that was never registered, but that the dealer had driven for 14,000 miles. We were told by the dealer that a new factory warranty applied as we were the "original retail purchaser." after driving this vehicle three years and less than 60,000 miles, the…
We bought a 1999 trooper from the dealer that was never registered, but that the dealer had driven for 14,000 miles. We were told by the dealer that a new factory warranty applied as we were the "original retail purchaser." after driving this vehicle three years and less than 60,000 miles, the engine froze going up a mountain pass, endangering our lives and our grandchildren's lives. We had the vehicle towed and now have been told that we needed an new engine -- though there was still oil in the engine, there were shards of metal in the oil. (We had properly maintained the engine more than required under warranty but it seemed to burn a lot of oil over the last few months.) isuzu denies that it IS responsible, and the dealer denies that they are responsible, so we are now stuck with a vehicle we've had three years that will cost us $5,000 - $8,000 to repair (and that we still owe 11K on and IS worth 6K as a trade-in or 8K if we sell it ourselves). I now see other evidence of similar complaints about this vehicle on this site and have talked with other mechanics who have seen similar problems with this vehicle, yet most consumers don't seem to file these reports. I've had several vehicles, and maintain them well, and have never had an engine freeze with 71,000 miles on it. As neither isuzu nor the dealer has been able to provide any assistance nor stand behind their product, I hope that the nhtsa investigates this issue so that no other owners or passengers are placed in potentially deadly and certainly costly circumstances again. *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Dt: the contact stated gas was spilling out of the top of gas tank. The tank was full or half full, but when stopping or slowing down the fuel spilled out of the top of the tank. This has been happening for two and a half weeks. The dealership was contacted, and they said that there were no…
Dt: the contact stated gas was spilling out of the top of gas tank. The tank was full or half full, but when stopping or slowing down the fuel spilled out of the top of the tank. This has been happening for two and a half weeks. The dealership was contacted, and they said that there were no recalls on the vehicle, but if he wanted to make an appointment the dealer would fix it for him. He has not done so at this time.*ak updated 11/16/2005 - the fuel tank became rusted at the fuel pump which cause fuel to leak from the fuel tank onto the exhaust pipe. the consumer had to pay to have the tank, fuel pump and hoses replaced because the vehicle was no longer under warranty. *nm
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Power train › Automatic transmission
Alternator problems: I was driving on an interstate the car just shut down in the middle of traffic, had it towed, took 3 days to get car back, put in the second alternator, it quit also, again in traffic had to have it towed. *jb transmission: was driving the in traffic, tried to drive, and the…
Alternator problems: I was driving on an interstate the car just shut down in the middle of traffic, had it towed, took 3 days to get car back, put in the second alternator, it quit also, again in traffic had to have it towed. *jb transmission: was driving the in traffic, tried to drive, and the car just sat there, wouldn't go, had transmission put in, two weeks later transmission went out had another transmission put in. 1999 trooper-apparently these have gm transmissions..
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I have a 99 isuzu trooper that burns a lot of oil. I service it properly and take good care of it. Although it now has 64000 miles on it and IS now out of warranty I think I need to report this. I have talked to my dealer and I am taking it in for some work that will as they say correct this problem. Are there others out there that are having this problem. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling
Dt: the consumer states that vehicle uses too much oil. The vehicle IS a 1999 isuzi trooper. The consumer goes through oil, oil and oil. This IS what the consumer specifically states. The vehicle has been to the dealer and they said it was normal. The manufacturer has not been called.*ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10237146This bulletin outlines the procedures for using the Alpine Exchange Program (the "Exchange Program"). The Exchange Program must be used when any Alpine radio or other component covered by this bulletin is repaired under warranty and may also be used for radio and component repairs not covered under warranty. Contact Alpine directly for pricing and payment methods applicable to radio and component repairs not covered under warranty.
- 10218932Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers follow these procedures in order to avoid delays in Parts Warranty claim payments and/or claim chargeback. This bulletin was revised to add a Parts Warranty Form
- 10218927Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers follow these procedures in order to avoid delays in Parts Warranty claim payments and/or claim chargeback.
- 10217004The Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (ICTA) Service Technical Assistance Center (TAC) provides diagnostic support to Isuzu dealer technicians repairing Isuzu vehicles in and out of vehicle warranty. A TAC case number will be issued solely for information tracking purposes and future contact reference.
- 10217001The following is a list of the Isuzu-recommended Threebond product part numbers identified in the various Isuzu Workshop Manuals and bulletins. If a Threebond product is unavailable, we recommend that you utilize the chart below to find equivalent of similar products (when available) from Loctite and Permatex.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10112600This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with the axel setup information from American Axle Manufacturing. Technician should be advised that the maximum pinion shim to be used or stacked behind the pinion is 0.050?, and the minimum pinion shim is 0.020? for an 8.6 axle. The range for available pinion depth shims for the 10.5? axle is 0.006? to 0.024?. When setting the backlash it should be set between 0.003? to 0.005? on a new ring and pinion for any American Axle Manufacturing application. The ring and pinion can be reused or adjusted if the mileage is less than 500 miles, if not used for towing. Technician should be advised that a ?roller coaster? or ?hourglass? pattern on the bearings may be normal up to 10,000 miles and possibly longer. With a mis-machined housing you may get a heel pattern on both sides of the gear teeth at build up can generally be corrected with backlash adjustments. When setting up an 8.6? axle with a 5 cut gear set is to use a 0.035? pinion shim and set backlash to 0.004?. When using the newer 2 cut gear set also use a 0.035? pinion shim and still set backlash to 0.004?. To set the gear pattern use backlash to adjust the pattern heel to toe. Use the pinion shim to adjust the height of the pattern. The proper drive pinion bearing pre-load is from 15 - 30 inch pounds with new bearings. The total torque to turn after the differential case is installed should increase 5 - 10 inch pounds at the pinion. A new pinion nut must be used whenever the old one is removed. The axle shaft end play specification is 0.012? per side and the radial specification is 0.002? - 0.003?. Technician should be advised that synthetic lube can be used in all new American Axle Manufacturing axle assemblies. The new pinion seal for the 8.6? axle assembly is a two piece design.
- 10002795Rear cup holder does not stay in the up position.
- 10001772Throttle body mounting bolt torque specifications.
- 10001770Transmission indicator light may be on and diagnostic trouble code p1870 IS set in the powertrain control module (pcm).
- 10000816Transmission indicator light may be on and diagnostic trouble code p1870 IS set in the pcm (powertrain control module).
- 633944Replacement odometer programing.
- 615678This bulletin provides information on the p1640 and p1650 output drive codes which refer to output driver circuit conditions related to the pcm.
- 614146American isuzu motors inc. IS pleased to announce the availability of top tether child restraint seat anchor bracket kits for certain isuzu sport utility vehicles. The use of this anchor bracket may be necessary when installing certain child seats, which require anchoring to the vehicle with a top tether strap.
- 614139This information bulletin outlines the proper steps to index the camshafts with the crankshaft for vehicles equipped with direct attack DOHC 3.2L / 3.5L V6 engine. In the event that camshaft timing has been disrupted, due to timing belt breakage or camshafts / crankshaft being rotated without a timing belt, this IS important prior to timing belt installation.
- 614137On SUV vehicles with automatic transmissions, some remote starter installations may cause the malfunction indicator light to set and store p0705. American isuzu motors does not sell remote starter kits and does not recommend any particular installation.
- 612593Service information regarding all affected vehicles with the p1441 evaporative emission code that has been diagnosed with no fault found from the appropriate flow chart in the driveability and emissions manual.
- 612584Experiencing intermittent rough idle and / or the malfunction indicator lamp IS on with diagnostic trouble codes p0171, p0174, or p1171.
- 612582Some owners may comment of static noise in the door radio speaker when adjusting the outside rear view mirrors.
- 606029Information regarding the availability of the child seat tether anchor kit.
Every Isuzu Trooper model year
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